…vows clampdown on hoodlums disguised as protesters
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, yesterday warned that the Nigeria Police Force will not hesitate to act decisively if the planned 1st August protests turn violent.
Egbetokun made this statement in Abuja during a meeting with top police officials, comprising commissioners of police and above. The meeting aimed to share intelligence and analyse security information to ensure the country’s safety.
The Police Boss assured that the police will protect peaceful protesters, but will not fold their arms if hoodlums hijack the protests.
“So we are prepared, and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest in the most professional manner,” he said.
“If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful. But we have a duty to protect lives and property, so we will not sit back and watch hoodlums burn down facilities in the name of protest.”
He added, “So, we are not against peaceful protest, we will support peaceful protest by protecting those who will engage in peaceful protest.”
Egbetokun’s warning comes as Nigerians prepare for planned nationwide protests on 1 August against bad governance, which are expected to draw large crowds.
The police boss urged youths to shun violence and embrace peaceful protests, saying that the right to protest is guaranteed by the constitution, but violent protests are criminal.
“I have always said that the right to protest is the right to peaceful protest. No civilised society will tolerate violent protests. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right,” Egbetokun noted.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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